When I first met Prisca in Global Her Story Summit in New York, we instantly connected and became friends. Being one of the LitClub coordinators in Kenya, Prisca and I had a lot in common as we shared our vision, excitement and the challenges of being part of LitClub. Never had I thought in my wildest dreams that I would get a chance to reconnect with Prisca in person again. However, a fortunate family visit to Kenya turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for me to meet with my old friends Prisca and Maureen. Rukmini foundation members Nabin Aryal, Basu Dev Aryal, Laxmi Aryal and Renu Kumari Nepal accompanied me to meet the LitClub members of Kenya.
All Smiles! Rukmini Foundation and LitClub Nepal received a grand welcome from our friends in LitClub Kenya.
In the early morning, members of LitClub Nepal and Rukmini Foundation set off to travel to Kibera to meet with LitClub members in Kenya. My heart was bursting with excitement. It was my first time visiting LitCLub in another country and I was looking forward to not only reconnecting with old friends, but also learning new things and gaining new experiences. As the car pulled up at the LitClub Kenya, we were greeted with a sea of smiling faces and excited waves. Maureen and Prisca, the coordinators, along with mentors Geoffery and Eva welcomed us and gave us the grand tour of the facility.
LitClub Kenya members listen closely as Nabin Aryal (left) introduces himself and talks about Nepal, LitClub Nepal and Rukmini Foundation.
Once we settled in, the morning began with LitClub members introducing themselves to us. It was wonderful getting to know who the members were and hearing their stories. We then read books together, sang fun songs and then the boys and girls decided they wanted to express their friendship to LitClub Nepal by making a card. We all participated in the session and the room was full of joy and laughter as everyone unleashed their creative energy and shared bonds of friendship.
LitClub Kenya Coordinators Prisca and Maureen are delighted to receive a handmade card all the way from Nepal made by LitClub Nepal members
Rukmini Foundation scholars and LitClub members in Nepal had also wanted to share show their love and friendship and had made beautiful handmade cards for their friends in LitClub Kenya that we brought with us. We presented the cards to our friends. We were also fortunate to bring along some other gifts given to us by new friends in Pittsburgh called No Crayons Left Behind. We are planning to send these to the girls in Nepal, but we thought it would be a great idea to bring some of these along for the LitClub in Kibera.
Laxmi Aryal presenting crayons to Maureen and Prisca that was gifted by No Crayons Left Behind
The day was a joyful and a wonderful learning experience for LitClub Nepal and Rukmini Foundation. We had the opportunity to learn more about the community schools and LitClubs in Kenya, see how they operated and get a better understanding of how cultural context can make an impact on how organization like LitClub is operated. Simultaneously, it was also a great learning experience for the girls and boys in Kenya, as they got hear stories about the himalayan country of Nepal and the LitClub Nepal. LitClub girls and boys in Kenya seem to have thoroughly enjoyed spending a day and becoming friends with our team member and we formed a precious bond of love and respect that I hope will be maintained for a long time.
Thank you LitWorld, Mentors and Rukmini Foundation for giving us this precious time to create this magical moment.
Prakriti
More pictures of this joyous day on our Flickr page.
- Learning Mentorship and Creating Leaders - June 28, 2018
- LitClub Nepal Celebrates Stand Up for Girls 2017 - October 28, 2017
- LitCamp 2017 An Annual Festival of Empowerment - August 3, 2017
- LitClub Mentors Always Looking to Improve - May 25, 2017
- LitClub Members Share HerStory - April 28, 2017
